If any Longwood Student is searching for a new or interesting sport, they may want to turn their interest to the new Longwood Fencing Club. The group meets every Friday evening in the Mac Gym, better known as the Indoor Soccer Field in the Health and Fitness Center at 6 p.m. This is the first time Longwood has had anything fencing related in many years (long ago there was a fencing team that competed nationally). Now there is a club at Longwood that is open to students of all levels of experience or interest. This means that those who have never fenced before but would like to are welcome to come to the meetings and learn how.
For those who are not familiar with the sport of fencing, there is some equipment that is required. Fortunately students will not have to buy their own equipment to participate, as it is provided. There is a due payment expected, but since the club is new, they have not yet determined the amount. There are actually a few different varieties of fencing based upon the weapon used. Fencers wear the characteristic, normally white protective garb as well as a protective mask that covers the entire face.
The club is founded by Freshman Theater major, Frank Kasik. He is an experienced fencer who has been involved in the sport for six years. According to Resident Assistant Daniel Sweid, "His teaching method is very hands on, so it's great for those that just want to jump in." Kasik begins practices with warm ups that may remind the average student of the warm-ups seen in marching band. After the warm-ups, members of the club will fence each other. Kasik actively participates by fencing with club members as well as keeping an eye on beginners to give them well informed and helpful pointers on how to improve.
What makes the fencing club unique is that, while other clubs and organizations allow Longwood students to grow on a personal level, make new friends and pursue their interests, the fencing club offers students the chance to learn a unique sport and work out at least once a week. The fencing club is an ample opportunity to get involved in a sport that few can say they have ever tried.
One student, Residential Technical Assistant Bryan Roethel, remarked that he feels that the fencing club will have a very warm reception here at Longwood. He claims, "I already know at least four people who are fencers, and there are a lot more who are interested." This just goes to show that people that aren't even part of the club have heard the buzz about this interesting new activity.
Since the club is so up and coming there are still interest meetings going on for the semester. There is one last interest meeting left, but the time has not been announced yet. Longwood students are encouraged to keep an eye out for advertisements.
